Cowboys Conflict: 'The Monster' vs. 'The Clapper': Dez Blasts Garrett - But Why?

Dallas Cowboys Conflict: 'The Monster' vs. 'The Clapper': Dez Bryant Blasts Jason Garrett - But Why?

FRISCO - For me, any discussion about the ties between Dez Bryant and Jason Garrett requires a moment of full disclosure.

I've known and had a fine relationship on a personal level with Garrett for 30 years I think a great deal of him.

I've known and had a fine relationship on a personal level with Bryant for 14 years I think a great deal of him.

So unlike some, I take no glee in the tattered relationship the two "Cowboys for Life'' now have, largely the result of Bryant's exit from the team in ....XXX

And while it is "provocative'' in a newsworthy way when Dez takes his public shots at his old coach - regardless of whether he feels justified in doing so - I think it's bad for "America's Team.'' And bad for Garrett, obviously. And maybe less obviously, bad for Dez, too.

But here we are, with a social-media discussion of how Dallas has the No. 24 pick in the April NFL Draft triggering another poke from Bryant.

As you know, Dez was also taken with the No. 24 pick, as were couple of other gems, Tyler Smith and Calvin Hill. That is a nice point made by beat writer Jon Machota in a tweet ...

Yea a Monster got drafted and was coached by a clapper

Let’s makes sure that don’t happen again ⭐️ https://t.co/FWUD6sT5Ih

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 16, 2024

Followed by a not-nice point made by Bryant, who referred to himself as a "monster'' (in a good way) while referring to Garrett as a "Clapper'' (in a bad way.)

Where Will Cowboys Draft in 2024?

The old joke is based on Garrett, the head coach for the bulk of Bryant's nine-year tenure in Dallas, having a sideline habit of "clapping'' enthusiastically ... sometimes for no apparent reason.

Maybe it would all be different had they not shared in that infamous loss at Green Bay, when "Dez Caught It'' - Bryant made the catch and Garrett supervised the call and Dallas lost a playoff game at Green Bay. And maybe Dez, reflecting on this week's playoff loss to the same Packers, is bugged by it all all over again.

So ... here we are again with "Dez vs. Garrett. And it's newsy. And it's provocative. And it's ... unfortunate.